TACLOBAN CITY – To ensure that the San Juanico Bridge’s load limit is increased from the current three tons to 12-15 tons on or before December 2025, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has laid out a catch-up plan during an on-site meeting on August 12, 2025.
DPWH officials, contractors, and the project consultant discussed timelines, safety measures, and temporary solutions in preparation for the release of rehabilitation funds.
The inspection also focused on the ongoing portal shoring works beneath the bridge, which have reached 20.60 percent accomplishment.
The steel supports, installed by DPWH and participating contractors, are designed to temporarily increase load capacity while ensuring public safety.
Once completed, the shoring works are considered the most practical and fastest option to safely achieve the 12-15 ton load capacity target within the year.
DPWH Undersecretary Ador Canlas instructed Regional Office 8 to closely supervise ongoing projects, submit weekly progress reports to the central office, select contractors based on their capabilities, and adjust schedules for potential delays like weather disturbances.
He stressed the need for a more systematic approach to meet the December deadline.
The shoring activities are separate from the rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, which will commence once the PHP520 million allocation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) is released.
Undersecretary Canlas noted that the fund request is progressing positively towards the final stages of processing for release.
To allow the immediate continuation of works beyond those covered by the NDRRMF-funded rehabilitation project, DPWH Region 8 has also requested an additional PHP651.821 million fund for other needed repairs. By Marie Tonette Marticio (EV Mail AUGUST 11-17, 2025 issue)
